Home Help

In recent years there seems to be an increasing number of companies who provide care to seniors in their own homes. For those who don't qualify for CCAC services, or for those who need more than what CCAC can provide and wish to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, this is often a very viable option (as long as it is affordable). However, as with any service geared to a vulnerable population, be it children or seniors, it is always best to take a 'buyer beware' attitude. While the large majority of companies are wonderful, well-meaning and caring organizations, there is always the possibility that a company you hire, may not be as reliable as one would expect. To this end, there are several questions one might want to ask before hiring a company to provide care for your loved one in their home. It is always smart to interview care providers before you commit to hiring them and always best to contact a few companies so you can compare what each offers.

Suggested questions include:

1. How long have they been in business?

2. Do they have any kind of accreditation (if they do, investigate them with the accrediting body)?

3. What services do the offer?

4. What qualifications do their employees have?

5. How do they screen employees (back ground checks, vulnerable person screening etc.)?

6. Do they provide extra training to their employees? If so, what kind of training?

7. How do they monitor their staff and track hours?

8. Are they licensed, insured and bonded? Is there agency liability coverage?

9. How do they share information between staff?

10. Do supervisors do surprise visits?

11. Can you interview the caregiver/s before hiring them?

12. Do the same staff visit each time?

13, What is the cost of service? Is there a minimum number of hours? How often are fees increased?

14. What emergency procedures are in place? (feel free to create scenarios of what situations you would consider an emergency)

15. Is there a contract you must sign (ask to see a copy in advance of hiring them)?

16. Can they provide references for their agency and the specific caregivers you would be using?

These are just a few questions to consider. Spend some time thinking about additional things you would like to know before making your calls. As well, you might want to speak with others who have been through this process to find out what things are important to them and what they found helpful or problematic when they hired private help. Its always best if you are prepared and do your research before a crisis hits.